Niang: AC Milan can beat Barcelona

17-Jan-2013 4:40:00 PM

The French attacker is eagerly anticipating the upcoming Champions League tie and has warned his team about the Argentine icon, and the Blaugrana's other stars

Promising youngster M'Baye Niang is optimistic about AC Milan's chances in the Champions League round of 16 against Barcelona, but has singled out Lionel Messi as the Catalans' dangerman.

The Rossoneri finished ahead of Zenit St Petersburg and Anderlecht in the group stages to book their ticket for the knockout rounds of European club football's elite competition, and Niang is desperate to make it to the quarter-final stage.

"I am confident about the upcoming Champions League tie versus Barcelona," Niang was quoted as saying by La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"Messi is an extraordinary player, but he is not the only one. We cannot afford to solely focus on him. I am not afraid of Barcelona, though. I hope to be able to show that when we meet them.

"I will do everything I can to convince [Massimiliano] Allegri to include me in the [squad] list for the Champions League."

The first leg of the tie against Barcelona takes place at San Siro on February 13.